Menu
MattressFirm Logo
Blog Homepage [The Daily Doze]>Bed Basics
Bed Basics

How Old is Your Mattress in Human Years?

By The Mattress Firm Sleep Experts
February 16, 2017
Feb16_Blog_640x400.jpg

How old is your dog… in human years?

Dogs mature a lot faster than humans do early on, so the first few months or so of your furry friend's life is the equivalent of several human years. In order to determine the age of your dog in “human years," just multiply its actual age by seven.

It's the age-old “seven years theory," and although it may not be entirely true – the most accurate  formula asks owners to subtract two from their dog's age, multiply that number by four and then add 21 – the idea has merit.

Counting Up the Age of Your Mattress


So, what about your mattress? It's no secret that a mattress is a long-term financial decision representative of a long-term, committed relationship – not unlike the union formed between you and your pet. And although your relationship with your mattress is among your most cherished, the reality is you won't be together forever.

We all know the golden rule: Replace Every 8 — if the tag is dated eight years back, it's time to replace your mattress. But the tag on your mattress is just a time stamp. Like dogs, no two mattresses are the same, and no two owners are the same, either.

How Old is Your Bed?


So, with all of that in mind, how old is your mattress,  really?

Let's say your mattress' tag dates back to January of 2014. According to the ever-so-serious “eight years' theory," you'd take your mattresses actual age of three and multiply it by eight. In this example, your mattress would currently be 24 years old in human years. It's no quarter-life crisis — hopefully your mattress has many good years left.

But, if your mattress is 8 or more years old, it's probably had a long and fulfilling career and is ready for a well-deserved retirement.

Go ahead and use the formula below to calculate the true age of your mattress:

(CURRENT YEAR – YEAR ON MATTRESS TAG) x 8 = MATTRESS AGE IN HUMAN YEARS

Age is Just a Number


Some of you might be saying, “ But my mattress looks and feels as good as new!" Don't fret – after all, age is just a number! If your mattress is dirty, Mattress Firm has some tips for cleaning it. Some mattresses are in worse shape than they look, while others are in better shape than they probably should be. Our point is simply to help you think through the life cycle of your bed and consider replacing a worn-out mattress to improve your sleep.

Likewise, you don't have to wait 8 years to break up with your mattress. “Replace Every 8" should be your guiding principle, not your blanket approach. If you're waking up feeling tired and sore in the morning, if you're finding it increasingly more difficult to get comfortable at night, if you spend more time sneezing in bed than you do snoozing in bed or if you find yourself feeling “just as comfortable" on the couch or in the guest bedroom – no matter how old (or young) your mattress actually is – you'll want to seriously consider ending the relationship ASAP.

Visit a Mattress Firm location or meet with one of our Mattress Firm employees to see if it might be time to upgrade your bed and start sleeping better.

More:

Replace Every 8, 
Mattress Life Cycle

You Might Also Like

King vs. California King: Sizes and Dimensions
Bed Basics
King Size vs. California King Mattress: What's the DifferenceLooking for more room to sleep—whether it’s solo, with your partner, your children or even your furry friends? A King bed can be the perfect choice. After all, Kings offer more than 6,000 square inches of comfy, cozy sleep paradise.
Read More
blue square reading Full Vs. Queen
Bed Basics
Full vs. Queen: What’s the Difference?The search is on: You’re looking for the right size mattress for your bedroom. And when you’re on the hunt for a bed, for a new space or an existing one, even a little room can mean a lot.
Read More
A twin and twin XL mattress side by side with their dimensions next to them. Twin: 75 x 38. Twin XL: 80 x 38
Bed Basics
Twin or Twin XL: How to Buy the Right Size of BedThe search is on: When you’re on the lookout for a new bed, either for a new space or an existing one, even a little room can mean a lot. That’s where compact beds come in. Read ahead for a walk through all of the key differences between the ever-popular twin bed and the less-common twin XL so you end up with the right choice.
Read More
4 ways to clean a mattress
Bed Basics
4 Easy Ways to Clean Your MattressAlthough we sleep on our mattress every single night, we often forget that underneath all of those covers, your mattress needs a little TLC every now and again. It's easy to understand the need to avoid dirty sheets, but have you ever thought about how to avoid a dirty mattress or the best way to clean a mattress?
Read More
how to fold a fitted sheet
Bed Basics
How do you fold a fitted sheet?We’re answering the age-old question: how do you fold a fitted sheet?
Read More
selecting the right mattress size_RAW.jpg
Bed Basics
Buying Guide: Selecting the Right Mattress SizeOne of the most common mistakes made when buying a new bed is selecting one that's too small. When it comes to mattress sizes, bigger is often better (as long as it can fit in your room!).
Read More
A couple standing in front of an empty mattress base with question marks above their heads.
Bed Basics
Do You Need a Box Spring? If you’re searching for the best night’s rest possible, there are several products you will need to add to your sleep setup. Of course, it all starts with the right mattress. Bedding like pillows, sheets and mattress toppers help provide all-night comfort. And a base can help you find your nighttime sweet spot—especially if it’s adjustable.
Read More
A cartoon illustration of a hand holding a spray bottle. A vacuum, baking soda and laundry detergent sitting next to a urine stained mattress.
Bed Basics
How to Clean a Mattress: Urine Stains From an accident caused by your little one to the family pet draining themselves on that brand new duvet, figuring out how to clean urine from a mattress as well as how to get the urine smell out of a mattress can be quite the hassle. Find the best way to clean a mattress.
Read More
A woman using her adjustable bed to prop up the the head so she can read in bed.
Bed Basics
Adjustable Bed FAQs: Everything to KnowSo, you’re thinking about elevating your sleep with an adjustable bed base? Well, you’ve come to the right place.
Read More